Laughlin cleared for dry camping

By DOMINIKA MASLIKOWSKI

LAUGHLIN - The Southern Nevada Health District passed a new section of regulations for dry camping facilities that will mark the return of RV campers to Laughlin this fall.

The regulations, approved July 27, require facilities to provide services such as a well-drained site, backup restrooms, potable water supply and solid waste containers. They were developed in collaboration with stakeholders, resort properties, resort associations and the public; and are designed to ensure dry camping facilities meet safety, public and environmental health standards.

The new rules address improved sanitary capabilities of newer RVs and provide guidelines for access to sewage disposal, adequate parking space and ground maintenance.

The regulations will be forwarded to the State Board of Health for approval. They can be accessed at southernnevadahealthdistrict.org.

“What they were doing is formalizing regulations and procedures that some of the properties already had in place ... If they weren't doing it, now they know they're required to do these things,” said Jennifer Sizemore, a spokeswoman for the health district.

The regulations will ensure visitors will have “a healthy and enjoyable stay,” said Donald Kwalick, chief health officer for the district.

Sizemore said the new regulations are not designed to impact the RV community, but are for public accommodation facilities like hotels, casinos and resorts.

“The regulations are designed to put the responsibility on the property ... we feel it can be done in the way that minimizes the impact and enhances services to those using the facilities,” she said.

The newest regulations come after the district issued cease and desist orders against several properties in January. The orders forced casinos to evict campers and angered RV owners. In March, the district observed a temporary moratorium on enforcement of the ban, but most campers had already left town.

Laughlin's casino resorts must now obtain permits to allow dry camping in their parking lots. Several have already begun the permitting process, said Jena Scheuneman-Morga, executive director of the Laughlin Tourism Committee.

“I can assure you safety of the guests has always been a priority in Laughlin,” said Scheuneman-Morga, claiming that resorts have always meet safety and health standards through self-regulation.

“The properties are working to make sure the guests will not be inconvenienced,” she said. “I don't think the RVers will notice anything different at all. The only thing they should notice is that we will be very happy to have these good folks back in town.”